Configurable segmented antenna

ABSTRACT

A configurable segmented antenna is described herein. A monitor component can be configured to detect at least one parameter corresponding to one or more segments of an antenna integrated with a communications device. An antenna component can be configured to select at least one segment of the one or more segments in response to the at least one parameter. A control component can be configured to modify a quality of a signal according to the at least one parameter. Further, a transmission component can be configured to transmit the signal from the at least one segment based on the quality.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/802,155, filed on Jul. 17, 2015, andentitled “CONFIGURABLE SEGMENTED ANTENNA,” which is a continuation of,and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/957,687,filed on Dec. 1, 2010, (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,118,416, issued on Aug. 25,2015) and entitled “CONFIGURABLE SEGMENTED ANTENNA.” The entireties ofthe aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to antenna technologies forcommunication devices.

BACKGROUND

Conventional antenna technologies enable a communication device totransmit and/or receive electromagnetic radiation via antenna(s);however, such technologies reduce communication device performance if anorientation of the antenna(s) changes, and/or if one or more parts ofthe antenna(s) are obstructed.

The above-described deficiencies of today's antenna and relatedtechnologies are merely intended to provide an overview of some of theproblems of conventional technology, and are not intended to beexhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art, and correspondingbenefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments describedherein, may become further apparent upon review of the followingdetailed description.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detailcertain illustrative aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Theseaspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways inwhich the principles of the various embodiments may be employed. Thedisclosed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects andtheir equivalents. Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of the variousembodiments when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosureare described with reference to the following figures, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 illustrates a communications device utilizing a configurablesegmented antenna, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a segmented antenna, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates another communications device utilizing aconfigurable segmented antenna, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates another segmented antenna, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another communications device, in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a communications device including a sensingcomponent, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate various processes associated with one or moreconfigurable segmented antenna systems, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an access point, in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a computing system operable toexecute the disclosed methods and apparatus, in accordance with anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques describedherein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, orwith other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

Conventionally, changes in orientation of antenna(s) of a communicationdevice reduce performance of the communication device, e.g., when thecommunications device is moved to/from a pocket. Further, communicationdevice performance is reduced if one or more parts of the antenna(s) areobstructed by an object, e.g., a hand, a building, etc.

To correct for these and/or other drawbacks of conventional antennatechnologies, various systems, methods, and apparatus described hereinconfigure segment(s) of an antenna integrated with a communicationsdevice. For example, a method can measure, by the communications device,one or more parameters corresponding to one or more segments of theantenna. Further, the method can select, by the communications device, asegment of the one or more segments according to the one or moreparameters.

In another example, the method can receive, by the communicationsdevice, a signal via a segment of the one or more segments. Further, themethod can measure a parameter, e.g., a power, a magnitude, etc. of thesignal, and select the segment in response to the parameter.

In yet another example, the method can select, in response to the one ormore parameters, a first segment of the antenna associated with awireless protocol and a second segment of the antenna associated withthe wireless protocol. In another example, the method can select, inresponse to the one or more parameters, a first segment of the antennaassociated with a first wireless protocol and a second segment of theantenna associated with a second wireless protocol.

In one example, the method can vary, via the segment, a quality of asignal in response to the one or more parameters. Further, the methodcan transmit the signal from the segment in response to the varying thequality. In yet another example, the method can vary, via the segment, apower of the signal, a magnitude of the signal, and/or a direction ofpropagation of the signal in response to the one or more parameters.

In another example, an apparatus can include a monitor componentconfigured to detect at least one parameter, e.g., a power of a signal,a magnitude of the signal, etc. corresponding to one or more segments ofan antenna integrated with a communications device. Further, theapparatus can include an antenna component configured to select at leastone segment of the one or more segments in response to the at least oneparameter.

In yet another example, the antenna component can further include acontrol component configured to modify a quality of a signal accordingto the at least one parameter. Further, the antenna component caninclude a transmission component configured to transmit the signal fromthe at least one segment based on the quality. In one example, thecontrol component can modify a power of the signal, a magnitude of thesignal, and/or a direction of propagation of the signal based on the atleast one parameter. Further, the transmission component can transmitthe signal from the at least one segment based on the power of thesignal, the magnitude of the signal, and/or the direction of propagationof the signal.

In one example, the monitor component can be configured to detect anobstruction of a segment of the one or more segments. Furthermore, theantenna component can be configured to select the at least one segmentin response to the obstruction. In another example, the antennacomponent can be configured to decrease a first use of the segmentand/or increase a second use of the at least one segment in response tothe obstruction. In yet another example, the antenna component can beconfigured to (1) modify, via the segment, a power of a first signal, amagnitude of the first signal, and/or a direction of propagation of thefirst signal in response to the obstruction; and/or (2) modify, via theat least one segment, a power of a second signal, a magnitude of thesecond signal, or a direction of propagation of the second signal inresponse to the obstruction.

In another example, the monitor component can include a sensingcomponent configured to detect the obstruction of the segment inresponse to at least one of a touch of the antenna, a touch of an objectcoupled to the antenna, a source of heat applied to the antenna, or asource of heat applied to the object.

In yet another example, at least a part of a segment of the one or moresegments of the antenna can extend from the communications device, beenclosed by the communications device, be included in a surface of thecommunications device, be included on a surface of the communicationsdevice, and/or be included in an overlapping strip of one or moreoverlapping strips of the one or more segments.

In one example, a system can include means for determining whether afirst segment of one or more segments of an antenna integrated with acommunications device is obstructed; and means for optimizing selectionof at least one segment of the one or more segments if the first segmentis obstructed. In one example, the means for optimizing selection of theat least one segment can further include means for (1) increasing apower of a signal and/or a strength of the signal; and/or (2) selectingthe at least one segment in response to a direction of propagation ofthe signal via the at least one segment. Further, the means foroptimizing the selection of the at least one segment can include meansfor transmitting the signal according to the power of the signal, thestrength of the signal, and/or the direction of propagation of thesignal.

Aspects, features, and/or advantages of the disclosed subject matter canbe exploited in substantially any wireless telecommunication or radiotechnology, e.g., wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi™); Bluetooth™, WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX™); Enhanced General PacketRadio Service (Enhanced GPRS); Third Generation Partnership Project(3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE™); Third Generation Partnership Project2 (3GPP2); Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB); 3GPP Universal MobileTelecommunication System (UMTS); High Speed Packet Access (HSPA); HighSpeed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA); High Speed Uplink Packet Access(HSUPA); LTE™ Advanced (LTE-A), Global System for Mobile Communication(GSM), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wibree, Wi-Fi Direct™ etc.

Additionally, one or more embodiments described herein can includelegacy telecommunication technologies, e.g., plain old telephone service(POTS). Further, selections of a radio technology can include secondgeneration (2G), third generation (3G), and fourth generation (4G)evolution of the radio technology; however, such selections are notintended as a limitation of the disclosed subject matter and relatedaspects thereof. Further, aspects, features, and/or advantages of thedisclosed subject matter can be exploited in disparate electromagneticfrequency bands. Moreover, one or more embodiments described herein canbe executed in one or more network elements, such as a mobile wirelessdevice, e.g., user equipment (UE), and/or within one or more elements ofa network infrastructure, e.g., radio network controller, wirelessaccess point (AP), etc.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” or “anembodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” in various places throughout thisspecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As utilized herein, terms “component,” “system,” “platform,” “node,”“layer,” “selector,” “interface,” and the like are intended to refer toa computer-related entity, hardware, software (e.g., in execution),and/or firmware. For example, a component can be a processor, a processrunning on a processor, an object, an executable, a program, a storagedevice, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, an applicationrunning on a server and the server can be a component. One or morecomponents can reside within a process, and a component can be localizedon one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.

Further, these components can execute from various computer readablemedia having various data structures stored thereon. The components cancommunicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance witha signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one componentinteracting with another component in a local system, distributedsystem, and/or across a network, e.g., the Internet, with other systemsvia the signal).

As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry; the electric or electronic circuitry can beoperated by a software application or a firmware application executed byone or more processors; the one or more processors can be internal orexternal to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of thesoftware or firmware application. As yet another example, a componentcan be an apparatus that provides specific functionality throughelectronic components without mechanical parts; the electroniccomponents can include one or more processors therein to executesoftware and/or firmware that confer(s), at least in part, thefunctionality of the electronic components.

The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to meanserving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance ofdoubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by suchexamples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as“exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meantto preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that theterms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used ineither the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intendedto be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an opentransition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.

Artificial intelligence based systems, e.g., utilizing explicitly and/orimplicitly trained classifiers, can be employed in connection withperforming inference and/or probabilistic determinations and/orstatistical-based determinations as in accordance with one or moreaspects of the disclosed subject matter as described herein. Forexample, an artificial intelligence system can be used, via optimizationcomponent (described below), to automatically evaluate each segment ofone or more segments of an antenna integrated with a communicationsdevice, based on, e.g., a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) ofan associated communication protocol. Further, the artificialintelligence system can be used, via the optimization component, toautomatically select segment(s) of the one or more segments for wirelesscommunication(s) via the communications device in response to the RSSIof signal(s) of respective segment(s) of the one or more segments.

As used herein, the term “infer” or “inference” refers generally to theprocess of reasoning about, or inferring states of, the system,environment, user, and/or intent from a set of observations as capturedvia events and/or data. Captured data and events can include user data,device data, environment data, data from sensors, sensor data,application data, implicit data, explicit data, etc. Inference can beemployed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate aprobability distribution over states of interest based on aconsideration of data and events, for example.

Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composinghigher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inferenceresults in the construction of new events or actions from a set ofobserved events and/or stored event data, whether the events arecorrelated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and datacome from one or several event and data sources. Various classificationschemes and/or systems (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks,expert systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, and data fusionengines) can be employed in connection with performing automatic and/orinferred action in connection with the disclosed subject matter.

In addition, the disclosed subject matter can be implemented as amethod, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programmingand/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware,or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement thedisclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as usedherein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device, computer-readable carrier, orcomputer-readable media. For example, computer-readable media caninclude, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices, e.g., harddisk; floppy disk; magnetic strip(s); optical disk (e.g., compact disk(CD), digital video disc (DVD), Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)); smart card(s); andflash memory device(s) (e.g., card, stick, key drive); and/or a virtualdevice that emulates a storage device and/or any of the abovecomputer-readable media.

Moreover, terms like “user equipment,” (UE) “mobile station,” “mobilesubscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal”, “handset,”“appliance,” “machine,” “wireless communication device,” “cellularphone,” “personal digital assistant,” “smartphone,” and similarterminology refer to a wireless device at least one of (1) utilized by asubscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive and/orconvey data associated with voice, video, sound, and/or substantiallyany data-stream or signaling-stream; or (2) utilized by a subscriber ofa voice over internet protocol (VOIP) service that delivers voicecommunications over internet protocol (IP) networks such as the Internetor other packet-switched networks. Further, the foregoing terms areutilized interchangeably in the subject specification and relateddrawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer,”“agent,” “owner,” and the like are employed interchangeably throughoutthe subject specification and related drawings, unless context warrantsparticular distinction(s) among the terms. It should be appreciated thatsuch terms can refer to human entities, or automated componentssupported through artificial intelligence, e.g., a capacity to makeinference based on complex mathematical formalisms, which can providesimulated vision, sound recognition, decision making, etc.

Also, the terms “local wireless communications cite,” “access point,”“base station,” and the like are utilized interchangeably throughout thesubject specification, and refer to devices that can receive andtransmit signal(s) from and to wireless devices through one or moreantennas. In addition, the terms “wireless network” and “network” areused interchangeable in the subject application, unless context warrantsparticular distinction(s) among the terms.

The subject disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatusassociated with configuring segment(s) of an antenna integrated with acommunications device. As described above, conventional antennatechniques reduce performance of a device if an orientation ofantenna(s) of the device changes, and/or if one or more parts of theantenna(s) are obstructed. Compared to such techniques, various systems,methods, and apparatus described herein facilitate improved performanceof a communications device by configuring segment(s) of a segmentedantenna of the communications device in response to measured parameters.

Aspects of systems, apparatus, and processes explained herein canconstitute machine-executable instructions embodied within a machine,e.g., embodied in a computer readable medium associated with themachine. Such instructions, when executed by the machine, can cause themachine to perform the operations described. Additionally, the systemsand processes can be embodied within hardware, such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like. Moreover, the order inwhich some or all of the process blocks appear in each process shouldnot be deemed limiting. Rather, it should be understood by a person ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosurethat some of the process blocks can be executed in a variety of ordersnot illustrated.

Now referring to FIG. 1, a communications device 100 is illustrated, inaccordance with an embodiment. Communications device 100, e.g., wireddevice, wireless device, cellular phone, personal data assistant (PDA),mobile phone, wireless access point, picture frame, etc. can includesegments 105 _(A) and 105 _(B) of a segmented antenna integrated withcommunications device 100, a monitor component 110, and an antennacomponent 120. Monitor component 110 can be configured to detect atleast one parameter corresponding to segments 105 _(A) and 105 _(B),respectively. In an aspect, monitor component can include a receiver(RX) interface 115, which can include components, hardware, devices,etc. configured to determine signal strength and/or signal powerassociated with signals(s) detected via one or more receivers and/ortransceivers (not shown) communicatively coupled to antenna segments 105_(A) and 105 _(B).

In an aspect, the one or more segments, e.g., antenna segments 105 _(A)and 105 _(B), etc. can be associated with a common wireless protocol, orwith different wireless protocols. For example, the one or more segmentscan be associated with at least one of: a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi™)protocol; a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX™)protocol; a Bluetooth™ protocol; an Enhanced General Packet RadioService (Enhanced GPRS) protocol; a Third Generation Partnership Project(3GPP) protocol; a Long Term Evolution (LTE™) protocol; a ThirdGeneration Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) protocol; an Ultra MobileBroadband (UMB) protocol; a 3GPP Universal Mobile TelecommunicationSystem (UMTS) protocol; a High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) protocol; aHigh Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) protocol; a High Speed UplinkPacket Access (HSUPA) protocol; an LTE™ Advanced (LTE-A) protocol; aGlobal System for Mobile Communication (GSM) protocol, a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) protocol, a Wibree protocol, or a Wi-Fi Direct™protocol.

In one aspect, at least a part of a segment of the one or more segmentsof the antenna can extend from communications device 100; be enclosed bycommunications device 100; be included in a surface of communicationsdevice 100; be included on a surface of communications device 100;and/or be included in an overlapping strip of one or more overlappingstrips of the one or more segments. In an aspect illustrated by FIG. 2,the antenna can include segments 210 _(A), 210 _(B), 210 _(C), and 210_(D) that can be arranged in an end-to-end configuration. It should beappreciated that although FIG. 2 illustrates the one or more segmentsaligned in one direction, the one or more segments can be arranged in anend-to-end configuration aligned in different directions.

In another aspect illustrated by FIG. 3, the antenna can includesegments 310 _(A), 310 _(B), 310 _(C), and 310 _(D) aligned with, and/orincluded, in one or more external surfaces of communications device 300.It should be appreciated that although FIG. 3 illustrates a segment ofthe one or more segments separated from other segments of the one ormore segments, such segments can be contiguously aligned, e.g., adjoinedat ends, around a surface of communications device 300. In yet anotheraspect illustrated by FIG. 4, the antenna can include segments 410 _(A),410 _(B), 410 _(C), and 410 _(D) arranged in overlapping strips. Itshould be appreciated that although FIG. 4 illustrates a segment of theone or more segments directly adjoined to another segment, such segmentscan be separated, e.g., via an air gap, via one or more materials, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 1, antenna component 120 can be configured toselect at least one segment of the one or more segments in response tothe at least one parameter. For example, and referring to FIG. 3,monitor component 110 can detect a power level of one or more signalsreceived via respective segments 310 _(A), 310 _(B), 310 _(C), and 310_(D) of communications device 300. If an orientation of communicationsdevice 300 changes, and/or at least one segment of segments 310 _(A),310 _(B), 310 _(C), and 310 _(D) are obstructed, one or more segments ofsegments 310 _(A), 310 _(B), 310 _(C), and 310 _(D) can experiencereduced signal transmission and/or reduced signal reception powerlevels. Accordingly, monitor component 110 can detect lower power levelsof signals received via the one or more segments, e.g., in response tomovement of communications device 300. As such, antenna component 120can facilitate improved performance of communications device 300 byselecting, or utilizing, other segment(s), e.g., to transmit and/orreceive wireless transmissions via communications device 300. Forexample, antenna component 120 can include a transceiver (TX) interface125, which can include components, hardware, devices, etc. configured tocouple with one or more transmitters/transceivers communicativelycoupled to antenna segments 105 _(A) and 105 _(B). TX interface 125 canselectively enable, or select, segments of the one or segments, e.g.,antenna segments 105 _(A) and 105 _(B), etc. to transmit signals via theone or more transmitters/transceivers.

In an aspect, antenna component 120 can be configured to select a firstsegment of the one or more segments associated with a wireless protocol(see above). Further, antenna component 120 can be configured to selecta second segment of the one or more segments associated with thewireless protocol. In one aspect, antenna component 120 can beconfigured to select a first segment of the one or more segmentsassociated with a first wireless protocol, and select a second segmentof the one or more segments associated with a second wireless protocolthat is different from the first wireless protocol.

Now referring to FIG. 5, a communications device 500 is illustrated, inaccordance with an embodiment. Communications device 500, e.g., wireddevice, wireless device, cellular phone, personal data assistant (PDA),mobile phone, wireless access point, picture frame, etc. can includesegments 505 _(A) and 505 _(B) of a segmented antenna integrated withcommunications device 500, a monitor component 510, and an antennacomponent 520. Monitor component 510 can be configured to detect atleast one parameter corresponding to segments 505 _(A) and 505 _(B),respectively. In an aspect, monitor component can include a receiver(RX) interface 515, which can include components, hardware, devices,etc. configured to determine signal strength and/or signal powerassociated with signals(s) detected via one or more receivers and/ortransceivers (not shown) communicatively coupled to antenna segments 505_(A) and 505 _(B).

Antenna component 520 can include a control component 525 configured tomodify, via at least one segment of the one or more segments, e.g.,antenna segments 505 _(A) and 505 _(B), etc. a quality of a signalaccording to at least one parameter detected, e.g., via monitorcomponent 510. In an aspect, the quality of the signal can include apower of the signal, a magnitude of the signal, or a direction ofpropagation of the signal. For example, the direction of propagation ofthe signal can be modified by control component 525, e.g., viatransmission component 530 described below, if transmission controlcomponent 525 selects segment(s) of the one or more segments that, e.g.,face a direction, or are within a wireless coverage angle, of anotherdevice wirelessly coupled to antenna segments 505 _(A), 505 _(B), etc.

In an aspect, control component 525 can be communicatively coupled to atransmission component 530, which can include components, hardware,devices, etc. configured to couple with one or moretransmitters/transceivers communicatively coupled to antenna segments505 _(A) and 505 _(B). Transmission component 530 can selectivelyenable, or select, segments of the one or segments, e.g., antennasegments 505 _(A) and 505 _(B), etc. to transmit signals via the one ormore transmitters/transceivers based on the quality modified via controlcomponent 525. In one aspect, transmission component 530 can transmitthe signal, via the one or more transmitters/transceivers based on thepower, the magnitude of the signal, and/or the direction of propagationof the signal.

For example, antenna component 520 can be included in a wireless accesspoint, e.g., access point 1005 (see below), a femtocell, a Wi-Fi™router, etc. In an aspect, if the wireless access point is located,e.g., on an upper floor of a building, control component 525 can modify,via at least one segment of the one or more segments, the direction ofpropagation of the signal in response to one or more other signalsdetected by monitor component 510. For example, if monitor component 510detects a power level of a signal received via the at least one segment,e.g., which is located along a bottom of the wireless access point,control component 525 can select the at least one segment for wirelesscommunication if the power level is greater than other power level(s)associated with other segments of the one or more segments. Accordingly,transmission component 530 can transmit the signal, e.g., via the one ormore transmitters/transceivers, from the at least one segment, e.g.,towards a device located below the wireless access point.

In another aspect, monitor component 110, 510, etc. can be furtherconfigured to detect an obstruction of a first segment of the one ormore segments. Further, antenna component 120, 520, etc. can beconfigured to select at least one segment of the one or more segments inresponse to the obstruction of the first segment. In one aspect, antennacomponent 120, 520, etc. can (1) decrease use of the first segment,e.g., turn the first segment off, reduce power consumption associatedwith the first segment, not utilize the first segment in wirelesscommunication(s), etc. and/or (2) increase use of the at least onesegment, e.g., turn the at least one segment on, increase powerconsumption associated with the at least one segment, utilize the atleast one segment in the wireless communication, etc. in response to theobstruction. In an aspect, the at least one segment can be associatedwith a higher level of signal recovery, or detected signal power,compared to the first segment.

In yet another aspect, antenna component 120, 520, etc. can beconfigured to (1) first modify, via the first segment, at least one of afirst power of a first signal, a first magnitude of the first signal, ora first direction of propagation of the first signal, in response to theobstruction; and/or (2) second modify, via the at least one segment, atleast one of a second power of a second signal, a second magnitude ofthe second signal, or a second direction of propagation of the secondsignal.

For example, antenna component 120, 520, etc. can reduce a transmissionpower of a signal transmitted via the at least one segment if the atleast one segment is not obstructed, and increase a transmission powerof another signal transmitted via the first segment if the at least onesegment is obstructed. As such, antenna component 120, 520, etc. canoptimally manage transmission power of a communications device whilereducing overall exposure to electromagnetic radiation, measured as aspecific absorption rate (SAR)—antenna component 120, 520, etc. canmaintain a constant (or near constant) SAR while reducing thetransmission power of the signal and increasing the transmission powerof the other signal.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a communications device 600 is illustrated, inaccordance with an embodiment. Communications device 600, e.g., wireddevice, wireless device, cellular phone, personal data assistant (PDA),mobile phone, wireless access point, picture frame, etc. can includesegments 605 _(A) and 605 _(B) of a segmented antenna integrated withcommunications device 600, a monitor component 610, and an antennacomponent 620. Monitor component 610 can be configured to detect atleast one parameter corresponding to segments 605 _(A) and 605 _(B),respectively, e.g., via RX interface 615, which can include components,hardware, devices, etc. configured to determine signal strength and/orsignal power associated with signals(s) detected via one or morereceivers and/or transceivers (not shown) communicatively coupled toantenna segments 605 _(A) and 605 _(B).

Further, communications device 600 can include a sensing component 617,which can be coupled to touch/heat sensor(s) 607. As such, sensingcomponent can be configured to detect, via touch/heat sensor(s) 607,etc. the obstruction of the segment in response to at least one of: afirst touch of the antenna; a second touch of an object, e.g.,communications device 600, coupled to the antenna; a first source ofheat applied to the antenna; or a second source of heat applied to theobject. In one aspect, sensing component 617 can detect the first touchand/or the second touch via capacitive-based sensor(s), e.g., includedin touch/heat sensor(s) 607. In another aspect, sensing component 617can detect the first source of heat and/or the second source of heat viaa heat flux sensor, e.g., included in touch/heat sensor(s) 607.

In an aspect, antenna component 620 can include a TX interface 625,which can include components, hardware, devices, etc. configured tocouple with one or more transmitters/transceivers communicativelycoupled to antenna segments 605 _(A) and 605 _(B). TX interface 625 canselectively enable, or select, segments of one or more segments, e.g.,antenna segments 605 _(A) and 605 _(B), etc. to transmit signals via theone or more transmitters/transceivers, in response to the obstruction.

In one aspect (not shown), communications device 100, 300, 500, 600,etc. can include an optimization component that can be configured toperiodically, e.g., once per day, once per predetermined period, onceper detected movement of communications device 100, 300, 500, 600, etc.configure, e.g., select, segments of the one or more segments of theantenna of communications device 100, 300, 500, 600, etc. in response toone or more parameters detected via communications device 100, 300, 500,600, etc. For example, in an aspect, if communications device 100, 300,500, 600, etc. is a cell phone, the optimization component can beconfigured to iteratively evaluate each segment of the one or moresegments of the antenna based on, e.g., a received signal strengthindicator (RSSI) of an associated communication protocol. Further, theoptimization component can be configured to select segment(s) of the oneor more segments for wireless communication(s) via communications device100, 300, 500, 600, etc. in response to the RSSI of signal(s) ofrespective segment(s) of the one or more segments.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate methods in accordance with the disclosed subjectmatter. For simplicity of explanation, the methods are depicted anddescribed as a series of acts. It is to be understood and appreciatedthat the subject embodiments are not limited by the acts illustratedand/or by the order of acts. For example, acts can occur in variousorders and/or concurrently, and with other acts not presented ordescribed herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts may be requiredto implement the methods in accordance with the disclosed subjectmatter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand andappreciate that the methods could alternatively be represented as aseries of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the methodsdisclosed hereinafter and throughout this specification are capable ofbeing stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting andtransferring such methods to computers. The term article of manufacture,as used herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessiblefrom any computer-readable device, carrier, or media.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a process 700 utilizing a configurablesegmented antenna integrated with a communications device isillustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. At 710, a signal can bereceived via a segment of one or more segments of the segmented antenna,e.g., via monitor component 110, 600, etc. In an aspect, the one or moresegments can be associated with a wireless protocol or differentwireless protocols, such as, Wi-Fi™, WiMAX™, Bluetooth™ 3GPP, 3GPP2,LTE™, LTE™ Advanced, UMTS, GSM, NFC, Wibree, Wi-Fi Direct™, etc. At 720,a parameter of the signal can be measured, e.g., via monitor component110, 600, etc. In an aspect, the parameter can be a power of the signalor a magnitude of the signal. At 730, at least one segment of the one ormore segments can be selected, via antenna component 120, 500, etc.according to the parameter.

FIG. 8 illustrates another process (800) utilizing a configurablesegmented antenna integrated with a communications device, in accordancewith an embodiment. At 810, a first signal can be received, e.g.,utilizing monitor component 110, 600, etc. via a segment of thesegmented antenna. At 820, a parameter, e.g., power, of the first signalcan be measured, e.g., via monitor component 110, 600, etc. At 830, aquality, e.g., power, magnitude, direction of propagation, etc. of asecond signal can be varied, via at least one segment of the segmentedantenna, in response to the parameter, e.g., utilizing control component510, etc. At 840, the second signal can be transmitted from the at leastone segment based on the quality, e.g., via transmission component 520,etc.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another process (900) utilizing a configurablesegmented antenna integrated with a communications device, in accordancewith an embodiment. At 910, parameter(s), e.g., power, magnitude, etc.of signal(s) of respective segment(s) of the segmented antenna can bemeasured, e.g., via monitor component 110, 600, etc. At 920, monitorcomponent 110, 600, etc. can determine whether an obstruction of thesegment(s) is detected in response to the parameter(s). If theobstruction is detected, process 900 continues to 930, at which at leastone segment of the segment(s) can be configured, e.g., enabled,disabled, etc. via antenna component 120, 500, etc.

To provide further context for various aspects of the disclosed subjectmatter, FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment 1000 of anaccess point 1005, e.g., base station, wireless access point, femtocellaccess point, etc. that can enable and/or exploit features or aspects ofthe disclosed subject matter.

In embodiment 1000, access point 1005 can receive and transmit signal(s)from and to wireless devices (e.g., communications device 100, 300, 500,600, etc.), wireless ports, wireless routers, etc. through segments 1020₁-1020 _(N) (N is a positive integer). Segments 1020 ₁-1020 _(N) can beinternal and/or external to access point 1005, and can be controlled by(1) monitor component 1010, e.g., monitor component 110, 510, 610, etc.and (2) antenna component 1025, e.g., antenna component 120, 520, 620,etc. Further, monitor component 1010 and antenna component 1025 cancouple to communication platform 1015, which comprises electroniccomponents and associated circuitry that provide for processing andmanipulation of received signal(s) and other signal(s) to betransmitted.

In an aspect, communication platform 1015 includes areceiver/transmitter 1016 that can convert analog signals to digitalsignals upon reception of the analog signals, and convert digitalsignals to analog signals upon transmission. In addition,receiver/transmitter 1016 can divide a single data stream into multiple,parallel data streams, or perform the reciprocal operation. Coupled toreceiver/transmitter 1016 is a multiplexer/demultiplexer 1017 thatfacilitates manipulation of signals in time and frequency space.Electronic component 1017 can multiplex information (data/traffic andcontrol/signaling) according to various multiplexing schemes such astime division multiplexing (TDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM),orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), code divisionmultiplexing (CDM), space division multiplexing (SDM). In addition,mux/demux component 1017 can scramble and spread information, e.g.,codes, according to substantially any code known in the art, e.g.,Hadamard-Walsh codes, Baker codes, Kasami codes, polyphase codes, etc. Amodulator/demodulator 1018 is also a part of communication platform1015, and can modulate information according to multiple modulationtechniques, such as frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, e.g.,M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), with M a positive integer);phase-shift keying (PSK); etc.

Access point 1005 also includes a processor 1035 configured to confer,at least in part, functionality to substantially any electroniccomponent in access point 1005. In particular, processor 1035 canfacilitate configuration of access point 1005 via, e.g., monitorcomponent 1010, antenna component 1025, and one or more componenttherein. Additionally, access point 1005 can include display interface1012, which can display functions that control functionality of accesspoint 1005, or reveal operation conditions thereof. In addition, displayinterface 1012 can include a screen to convey information to an enduser. In an aspect, display interface 1012 can be an LCD, a plasmapanel, a monolithic thin-film based electrochromic display, and so on.Moreover, display interface 1012 can also include a component (e.g.,speaker) that facilitates communication of aural indicia, which can alsobe employed in connection with messages that convey operationalinstructions to an end user. Display interface 1012 can also facilitatedata entry e.g., through a linked keypad or via touch gestures, whichcan cause access point 1005 to receive external commands, e.g., restartoperation.

Broadband network interface 1014 facilitates connection of access point1005 to a service provider network (not shown) that can comprise one ormore cellular technologies (e.g., 3GPP UMTS, GSM, etc.) via backhaullink(s) (not shown), which enable incoming and outgoing data flow.Broadband network interface 1014 can be internal or external to accesspoint 1005, and can utilize display interface 1012 for end-userinteraction and status information delivery.

Processor 1035 can be functionally connected to communication platform1015 and can facilitate operations on data, e.g., symbols, bits, orchips, for multiplexing/demultiplexing, such as effecting direct andinverse fast Fourier transforms, selection of modulation rates,selection of data packet formats, inter-packet times, etc. Moreover,processor 1035 can be functionally connected, via data, system, oraddress bus 1011, to display interface 1012 and broadband networkinterface 1014, to confer, at least in part, functionality to each ofsuch components.

In access point 1005, memory 1045 can retain location and/or coveragearea, e.g., macro sector, identifier(s); access list(s) that authorizeaccess to wireless coverage through access point 1005; sectorintelligence that can include ranking of coverage areas in the wirelessenvironment of access point 1005, radio link quality and strengthassociated therewith, or the like. Memory 1045 also can store datastructures, code instructions and program modules, system or deviceinformation, code sequences for scrambling, spreading and pilottransmission, access point configuration, and so on. Processor 1035 canbe coupled, e.g., via a memory bus, to memory 1045 in order to store andretrieve information used to operate and/or confer functionality to thecomponents, platform, and interface that reside within access point1005.

As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or devicecomprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;single-processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithreadtechnology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributedshared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integratedcircuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device(CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsand/or processes described herein. Processors can exploit nano-scalearchitectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dotbased transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usageor enhance performance of mobile devices. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “data store,” datastorage,” “database,” and substantially any other information storagecomponent relevant to operation and functionality of a component and/orprocess, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory,” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory, forexample, can be included in memory 1045, non-volatile memory 1122 (seebelow), disk storage 1124 (see below), and memory storage 1146 (seebelow). Further, nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory(ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory caninclude random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory.By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in manyforms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronousDRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 11, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe subject application also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventivesystems can be practiced with other computer system configurations,including single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems,mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, watch),microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or industrial electronics,and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remoteprocessing devices that are linked through a communications network;however, some if not all aspects of the subject disclosure can bepracticed on stand-alone computers. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules can be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

With reference to FIG. 11, a block diagram of a computing system 1100operable to execute the disclosed systems and methods is illustrated, inaccordance with an embodiment. Computer 1112 includes a processing unit1114, a system memory 1116, and a system bus 1118. System bus 1118couples system components including, but not limited to, system memory1116 to processing unit 1114. Processing unit 1114 can be any of variousavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multiprocessorarchitectures also can be employed as processing unit 1114.

System bus 1118 can be any of several types of bus structure(s)including a memory bus or a memory controller, a peripheral bus or anexternal bus, and/or a local bus using any variety of available busarchitectures including, but not limited to, Industrial StandardArchitecture (ISA), Micro-Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA(EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB),Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Card Bus, Universal Serial Bus(USB), Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Personal Computer Memory CardInternational Association bus (PCMCIA), Firewire (IEEE 1194), and SmallComputer Systems Interface (SCSI).

System memory 1116 includes volatile memory 1120 and nonvolatile memory1122. A basic input/output system (BIOS), containing routines totransfer information between elements within computer 1112, such asduring start-up, can be stored in nonvolatile memory 1122. By way ofillustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory 1122 can includeROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory 1120 includesRAM, which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and notlimitation, RAM is available in many forms such as SRAM, dynamic RAM(DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM),enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), Rambus direct RAM(RDRAM), direct Rambus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM(RDRAM).

Computer 1112 also includes removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. FIG. 11 illustrates, forexample, disk storage 1124. Disk storage 1124 includes, but is notlimited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, floppy disk drive, tapedrive, Jaz drive, Zip drive, LS-100 drive, flash memory card, or memorystick. In addition, disk storage 1124 can include storage mediaseparately or in combination with other storage media including, but notlimited to, an optical disk drive such as a compact disk ROM device(CD-ROM), CD recordable drive (CD-R Drive), CD rewritable drive (CD-RWDrive) or a digital versatile disk ROM drive (DVD-ROM). To facilitateconnection of the disk storage devices 1124 to system bus 1118, aremovable or non-removable interface is typically used, such asinterface 1126.

It is to be appreciated that FIG. 11 describes software that acts as anintermediary between users and computer resources described in suitableoperating environment 1100. Such software includes an operating system1128. Operating system 1128, which can be stored on disk storage 1124,acts to control and allocate resources of computer system 1112. Systemapplications 1130 take advantage of the management of resources byoperating system 1128 through program modules 1132 and program data 1134stored either in system memory 1116 or on disk storage 1124. It is to beappreciated that the disclosed subject matter can be implemented withvarious operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands or information, e.g., via interface component830, into computer 1111 through input device(s) 1136. Input devices 1136include, but are not limited to, a pointing device such as a mouse,trackball, stylus, touch pad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, game pad,satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital videocamera, web camera, and the like. These and other input devices connectto processing unit 1114 through system bus 1118 via interface port(s)1138. Interface port(s) 1138 include, for example, a serial port, aparallel port, a game port, and a universal serial bus (USB). Outputdevice(s) 1140 use some of the same type of ports as input device(s)1136.

Thus, for example, a USB port can be used to provide input to computer1112 and to output information from computer 1112 to an output device1140. Output adapter 1142 is provided to illustrate that there are someoutput devices 1140 like monitors, speakers, and printers, among otheroutput devices 1140, which use special adapters. Output adapters 1142include, by way of illustration and not limitation, video and soundcards that provide means of connection between output device 1140 andsystem bus 1118. It should be noted that other devices and/or systems ofdevices provide both input and output capabilities such as remotecomputer(s) 1144.

Computer 1112 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer(s)1144. Remote computer(s) 1144 can be a personal computer, a server, arouter, a network PC, a workstation, a microprocessor based appliance, apeer device, or other common network node and the like, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to computer1112.

For purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device 1146 isillustrated with remote computer(s) 1144. Remote computer(s) 1144 islogically connected to computer 1112 through a network interface 1148and then physically connected via communication connection 1150. Networkinterface 1148 encompasses wire and/or wireless communication networkssuch as local-area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN). LANtechnologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), CopperDistributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethernet, Token Ring and the like.WAN technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links,circuit switching networks like Integrated Services Digital Networks(ISDN) and variations thereon, packet switching networks, and DigitalSubscriber Lines (DSL).

Communication connection(s) 1150 refer(s) to hardware/software employedto connect network interface 1148 to bus 1118. While communicationconnection 1150 is shown for illustrative clarity inside computer 1112,it can also be external to computer 1112. The hardware/software forconnection to network interface 1148 can include, for example, internaland external technologies such as modems, including regular telephonegrade modems, cable modems and DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernetcards.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subjectdisclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the preciseforms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are describedherein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possiblethat are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples,as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described inconnection with various embodiments and corresponding Figures, whereapplicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can beused or modifications and additions can be made to the describedembodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitutefunction of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom.Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to anysingle embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: determining, by a systemcomprising a processor, a direction of propagation of a signal that hasbeen transmitted from a first segment of segments of an antenna, whereinthe first segment facilitates first transmissions according to a firstwireless protocol, and wherein a second segment of the segmentsfacilitates second transmissions according to a second wireless protocolthat is different from the first wireless protocol; and in response todetermining that the first segment has been obstructed by an object,modifying, by the system, the direction of propagation of the signal. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the segments of the antenna are arrangedin overlapping strips.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining, by the system, a power of the signal; and selecting, by thesystem, the first segment according to the power of the signal.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the determining that the first segment hasbeen obstructed by the object further comprises varying, by the system,the power of the signal.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal isa first signal, and further comprising: based on the second wirelessprotocol, transmitting, by the system, a second signal using the secondsegment.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining that thefirst segment has been obstructed by the object comprises detecting theantenna has been touched by the object.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the first segment is included on an outer surface of anenclosure of the system.
 8. An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: determininga direction of propagation of a signal, which was transmitted from afirst segment of a group of segments of an antenna of the apparatus; andin response to detecting an obstruction of the first segment by anobject, modifying the direction of propagation of the signal, whereinthe first segment is associated with a first wireless protocol, andwherein a second segment of the group of segments is associated with asecond wireless protocol different from the first wireless protocol. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the group of segments is arranged inoverlapping strips.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the detectingthe obstruction comprises detecting the obstruction of the first segmentusing a heat sensor of the apparatus.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the operations further comprise: transmitting a first wirelesssignal from the first segment according to the first wireless protocol;and transmitting a second wireless signal from the second segmentaccording to the second wireless protocol.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the operations further comprise: transmitting the signal usingthe first segment.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: modifying a power of the signal.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the modifying the power of the signal comprises: inresponse to the detecting of the obstruction of the first segment by theobject, performing the modifying of the power of the signal.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the detecting the obstruction comprisesdetecting the antenna has been touched by the object.
 16. The apparatusof claim 8, wherein the first segment is on an external surface of theapparatus.
 17. A system, comprising: an antenna comprising antennasegments; a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, comprising: determining a direction of propagation of asignal from a first segment of the antenna segments; and in response todetermining that the first segment has been at least partially coveredby an object, modifying the direction of the propagation of the signalfrom the first segment, wherein the first segment corresponds to a firstwireless protocol, and wherein a second segment of the antenna segmentscorresponds to a second wireless protocol distinct from the firstwireless protocol.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the antennasegments have been arranged in overlapping strips.
 19. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the operations further comprise: in response todetermining that the first segment has been at least partially coveredby the object, increasing a power of the signal resulting in anincreased power, and transmitting the signal via the first segmentaccording to the increased power.
 20. The system of claim 17, whereinthe determining that the first segment has been at least partiallycovered by the object comprises detecting, based on an output of a heatsensor, that the antenna has been contacted by the object.